ATA names contenders for trucking industry election

Returning officer of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Phil Potterton, has announced the candidates in the 2019 ATA election.

Each candidate has nominated for a position on the ATA General Council as either an owner-driver or small fleet representative. Nominations closed on 1 February.

The candidates for owner-driver representative are (in alphabetical order by surname):

John Beer, Romsey VIC

Frank Black (Arcidiaco), Albert Park SA

Luke McCrone, Ascot Vale VIC

Tim Montague, Banjup WA

The candidates for small fleet operator representative are (in alphabetical order by surname):

Lynley Miners, Adaminaby NSW

Angela Welsh, Blaxland East NSW

John Beer is a livestock haulage owner-operator who has been in the industry for over 40 years.

“I’m putting my hand up to be on the ATA Council again because I think I have done a good job representing owner operators so far,” said Beer.

Frank Black has been an owner-driver for over 30 years. In that time he has been involved with interstate, intrastate and local driving, giving him a firm understanding of the frustrating issues that face owner-drivers.

“We need a fair and workable system in place that safeguards our rates of pay and ensures the ability for full cost recovery. We need conditions that see owner-drivers able to operate fairly, safely and remain viable in a competitive market.”

Luke McCrone has worked in the transport industry for over 10 years and has been running his own tip truck for almost 18 months.

“The biggest issue facing owner drivers in my part of the industry is the inability to secure an increase in rates,” said McCrone.

“If elected I will use my position to urge the government to adopt policies that will enable owner drivers to negotiate with their hirers not for a ‘safe rate’ but for a fair rate.”

Tim Montague believes the industry needs a voice from someone with practical experience who is actively doing the job.

“For too long we have been dictated to by people who have never done our job,” said Montague. “It would be like a group of truck drivers starting a medical regulator and expecting doctors to listen to us; they wouldn’t tolerate it so why should we?”

Lynley Miners is the current President of the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association and a livestock carrier and employer for over 30 years.

“I am passionate about improving road freight conditions for the entire supply chain regardless of what you carry or where you carry,” said Miners.

“I am eager to continue my role on the ATA General Council representing small fleet operators across Australia.”

Claiming a passion for safety and fairness, Angela Welsh believes small transport businesses need a voice that reflects the challenges unique to the sector.

“Owner/ drivers have little protection from a number of issues faced in our industry, and large businesses often have specialists to manage many of the legislative requirements,” said Welsh.

“We need to make a positive impact now for the future of the industry and our country’s economy.”

Ballot papers will be issued to registered voters on Thursday 7 February 2019.

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